Tag: Steamcon

I had big plans to attend Steamcon IV in Seattle this year. I had a costume I was going to work on, and though my Time Machine Pinball wasn’t ready for submission in the Art Exhibition, I was going to attend some of the presentations and maybe even one of the parties. Then, when I knew I wouldn’t have the costume ready, I thought, “no big deal…I’ll see what everyone else is wearing and then adjust accordingly next year.” However, as sometimes happens to the best-laid plans, it all went awry when I was struck down by a nasty cold bug a few days before the trip. Attending on Friday was out of the question, but I was hoping to wake up Saturday morning and be able to give it a go…

Well, I woke up Saturday to find I was in no condition to drive, but I thought I might be able to pull out of the miasma by late afternoon with some rest as a passenger. So after sleeping through most of the three hour drive, we stopped at Pike’s Market for lunch. However, lunch did not sit well and after some Codine I curled up in the backseat and went to sleep. My traveling companions decided to take me to the hotel, so I slept through the ferry ride, ate a little dinner, and crashed. Sunday morning I woke up early, took more Codine, and went back to bed. After a late start and another ferry ride, I arrived at my Dad’s for a quick, groggy visit, then it was off to Steamcon.

As we arrived at the Bellevue Hyatt mid-afternoon, we discovered that Steamcon was pretty much done. The Art Exhibition had ended at noon. To make matters worse, we were one of the few not in costume, which was sad, but gave me high hopes that my outfit that I’ll wear next year will be well-received. Fortunately the Grand Mercantile was still open, so I was able to snap some photos of goods, as well as people in costume. Although I was disappointed that my first Steamcon didn’t work out the way I had hoped, it did wet my appetite for next year’s event. Photos to follow…

There were stakes for vampire hunters……stylish hats for the gent stepping out……eyewear to see into places you shouldn’t……and guns to take care of nasty buggers……always fun to see Phil and Kaja Foglio at an event……even oriental steampunk was represented……this guy was having a lot of fun with the hand-cranked weapon……while this guy was packing some serious firepower (no, not the guy with the wrench!)……and this man’s gun was simply awe-inspiring……but the best costume I saw belonged to the gentleman on the right…

Many thanks to the individuals who took time to pose for the photos. Next year, I hope to arrive in similar style – and without a cold! Until then…